May Arts Highlights

Spring Arts in Bloom

From an epic five-hour theater production on the waterfront to a new weekend contemporary arts fair on the edge of the Tenderloin, the arts are blooming this May.

Now until May 22nd: The Lily's RevengeThe Magic TheaterAs the title might suggest, Taylor Mac's The Lily's Revenge is a sexualized, vaudevillian theatre piece about a lily (played by Mac himself) trying to become human again and win the heart of The Bride. It's an epic performance, clocking in at 5 hours and featuring collaborations from six different theatre companies. Apparently there are also mini shows during intermission, including cabaret songs performed in the bathrooms. http://www.sfstation.com/magic-theatre-b843

Now until May 22: Cancer Cells: Plays and Poems by Harold PinterThe GaragePerformers Under Stress Theatre presents Harold Pinter's short plays The New World Order, Mountain Language, One for the Road and Press Conference, as well as a selection of poems inspired by the acclaimed writer's battle with cancer. http://www.sfstation.com/the-garage-b24323301

May 14: Writers With DrinksThe Make-Out RoomThe only stiff thing about this literary variety show are the drinks. This month's installment features short fiction from Adam Haslett, Janice Shapiro, and Catherynne M. Valente; poetry from Rick Barot; and an appearance by The Bold Italic's Kimberly Chun. http://www.sfstation.com/make-out-room-b548

May 19th to 22nd: ArtPadSFPhoenix HotelThis brand new art fair launches at the Phoenix Hotel on May 19, celebrating emerging contemporary art from over 20 galleries based around the Bay and beyond. The Phoenix's heated outdoor pool will play host to live art performances by MFA candidates at the California College of the Arts, as well as a suspended art installation by LTMH Gallery artist Alexis Laurent. Check out one of three panels offered over the weekend to hear from European street artists, local pro photographers, and contemporary art curators. http://www.sfstation.com/private-preview-of-artpad-sf-a-benefit-for-the-black-rock-arts-foundation-e1247161

Now to July 24th: Dan Hoyle's "The Real Americans"The MarshDan Hoyle traveled around the world to write his first play "Circumnavigator," and studied Nigerian oil politics for "Tings Dey Happen." His latest political theatre/solo show The Real Americans is the result of 100 days spent traipsing across small-town America in search of the real "real Americans," as noted in Palin's infamous shout out to the town you grew up in and were happy to leave behind. http://www.sfstation.com/the-marsh-b24880941

May 19th: Salsa NightLifeCalifornia Academy of SciencesThe Cal Academy's weekly NightLife series lets you roam the museum, have a few drinks, and learn a new thing or two while you're at it. This week, take a salsa-dancing lesson for beginners, educate yourself on the wonders of tequila, then put your newfound knowledge to good use by ordering a margarita. http://www.sfstation.com/california-academy-of-sciences-b24548391